Se habla español aquí.
English: Spanish is spoken here.
- Language
- Spanish
- Level
- B1
- Unit
- Construcciones pasivas e impersonales
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
The 'se impersonal' is a special way in Spanish to make general statements or talk about actions without saying who does them. It's like saying 'people', 'one', or 'they' in English, but using 'se' and a verb.
When to use it
Use 'se impersonal' when you want to talk generally, about what people do in a place, rules, or habits, without saying who does the action. It is often used in instructions, signs, or to describe customs.
Key forms
- se + verb in 3rd person singular (se vive, se dice)
- se + verb in 3rd person plural (when the noun is plural: se venden coches)
Examples
Se vive bien en esta ciudad.
English: One lives well in this city.
Se venden libros en la tienda.
English: Books are sold in the store.
No se permite fumar.
English: Smoking is not allowed.
Tips
- Always use 'se' before the verb.
- The verb is usually in third person singular, unless the noun is plural.
- Don't use a specific subject (like 'yo', 'tú', 'nosotros') with 'se impersonal'.
Exceptions and edge cases
- If the noun after the verb is plural, use the verb in third person plural (e.g., 'se venden entradas').